[intransitive]adhere (to something)(formal)to stick firmly to somethingOnce in the bloodstream, the bacteria adhere to the surface of the red cells.Clean the surface first, or the paint will not adhere.There was oil adhering to the bird’s feathers.Word Originlate 15th cent.: from Latinadhaerere, from ad-

‘to’

+ haerere

‘to stick’

.Extra examplesThe guidelines were not always fully adhered to.The tiles may not adhere properly if you do not use the correct glue.This principle must be strictly adhered to.We adhere to the company’s code of practice.Phrasal Verbsadhere to something